Research and undercover interviews reveal reality of extreme heat exacerbated by abusive working conditions

Summary

A report by human rights organization Equidem reveals that migrant workers in the Gulf are being forced to endure life-threatening heat and abusive working conditions.

Interviews with over 250 workers in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE found many working up to 14 hours a day in wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 45°C—well above the UN’s 32°C limit for safe outdoor labor.

Workers report limited water access, heat-related illnesses, and illegal hours. Equidem calls this “workplace violence” and urges the UN to address worker protections amid the climate crisis.